The headquarters of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), the premier organisation for archaeological research and conservation, are located in which Indian city?

Introduction / Context:
The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) is the main government agency responsible for archaeological research, excavation and the protection of monuments and heritage sites across the country. Knowing where its headquarters are located is a common question in general knowledge and Indian polity sections, because it links administrative geography with cultural heritage management. This question focuses on identifying the correct headquarters city of the ASI.

Given Data / Assumptions:

- The organisation mentioned is the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI). - The question asks for the city in which its headquarters are located. - Options include New Delhi, Pune, Hyderabad and Kolkata. - Candidates are expected to know central headquarters locations of key national bodies.

Concept / Approach:
National level departments and surveys in India, such as the Survey of India, Geological Survey of India and ASI, have headquarters in specific cities. While some were initially established in older colonial centres like Kolkata, many now have their central offices in New Delhi, the national capital. The ASI, functioning under the Ministry of Culture, has its headquarters in New Delhi, from where it oversees circles and regional offices throughout India. The approach is to link the ASI, as a central governmental body, with the administrative capital New Delhi rather than with regional cities.

Step-by-Step Solution:

Verification / Alternative check:
Verification can be easily done by looking at the official website of the Archaeological Survey of India or in government directories, which list its main office address in New Delhi. Competitive exam books that summarise "important organisations and their headquarters" also pair ASI with New Delhi. These independent, consistent references confirm that New Delhi is the correct headquarters city for ASI in the context of objective questions.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Pune is home to several educational and defence institutions but is not the headquarters of ASI. Hyderabad has important archaeological sites and museums yet does not host the central office of this national survey. Kolkata was a major colonial capital and still hosts some central organisations, but ASI headquarters is not based there. None of the above would be correct only if ASI had its headquarters in some other city entirely, but that is not the case here because New Delhi is the recognised central location.

Common Pitfalls:
Some candidates may assume that because many early archaeological institutions were set up in Kolkata or in older presidencies, the headquarters of ASI must still be there. Others simply confuse regional circles and branches with headquarters. To avoid such mistakes, it is useful to maintain a short list linking important national organisations (such as ISRO, RBI, ASI, Election Commission) with their main headquarters cities and to revise that list frequently before exams.

Final Answer:
The headquarters of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) are located in New Delhi.